Winter Driving: Stay Safe, Stay Prepared, and Stay Supported with Fleetmaxx
Winter driving guide by Mark Checksfield, Head of Operations, Fleetmaxx Solutions
Winter driving brings some of the toughest challenges of the year for any fleet. From icy roads and heavy rainfall to fog, freezing temperatures, and gale-force winds — the risks are real, and the impact on safety and operations can be significant.
At Fleetmaxx Solutions, we help businesses stay safe, compliant, and fully prepared for whatever winter throws your way.
Tyre safety: your first line of defence
When it comes to winter driving, your tyres are everything. They’re the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road — and they govern grip, braking, and steering.
According to TyreSafe, the golden rule is to ACT — Air, Condition, and Tread.
- Air: Check tyre pressures are correct.
- Condition: Look for cracks, cuts, bulges, or embedded debris.
- Tread: The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but in winter, 3mm or more is recommended for safe stopping distances.
TyreSafe Chair Stuart Lovatt explains:
“Tyres govern how the vehicle handles, corners, and brakes — they are essential to safety and vehicle responsiveness.”
Some fleets opt for winter tyres, which remain flexible at low temperatures, while others use all-season tyres, around 20% more expensive but offering excellent grip, longevity, and water clearance all year round.
Winter driving tips for your fleet
Even with the best tyres fitted, driver behaviour makes the biggest difference. Remind your drivers to:
✅ Slow down — stopping distances can be up to 10× longer on ice or snow.
✅ Leave more space — a third of motorway collisions are rear-end shunts.
✅ Brake gently — sudden braking causes skidding.
✅ Clear snow completely — including from roofs and lights.
✅ Use lights correctly — dipped beams in fog, not full beam.
If a vehicle becomes stuck, clear snow from around the tyres, use sacking or grit for traction, and pull away slowly in second gear.
Essential winter driving vehicle checks
Before every journey, drivers should check:
- Tyres for pressure, condition, and tread depth.
- Oil and coolant levels, ensuring enough antifreeze is present.
- Screenwash is topped up and suitable for freezing conditions.
- Wipers, lights, and indicators are fully operational.
- The vehicle is cleared of snow and ice — including the roof.
- There’s sufficient fuel or EV range for the journey.
- Emergency items (gloves, water, charger, torch, snacks) are carried.
To make sure nothing is overlooked, use our CheckedSafe Drivers’ Daily Walk-Round App — a DVSA-approved system that records checks digitally, flags issues instantly, and helps your business stay compliant for just £1 per vehicle per week with a 30-day free trial.
Fleetmaxx Premium Screenwash – clear vision, clear safety
Keeping screenwash topped up isn’t just good practice — it’s the law. Authorities can issue fixed-penalty notices if your drivers are found without it.
Fleetmaxx Premium Screenwash ensures crystal-clear visibility in all conditions, helping your fleet stay compliant and your drivers stay safe. It’s formulated to cut through salt, grime, and spray even in sub-zero weather, reducing the risks associated with poor visibility.
Keep your windscreens clear and your business running smoothly with Fleetmaxx Premium Screenwash — because safe vision means safer driving.
Get full details on Fleetmaxx Premium Screenwash
Fleetmaxx MEG Antifreeze – protection down to -40°C
Protect your engines with Fleetmaxx MEG Antifreeze, developed to prevent frost damage in temperatures as low as -40°C while providing superior corrosion protection for your cooling systems.
Manufactured to BS6580:2010 standards, our MEG Antifreeze is available in blue, red long-life, concentrated, and ready-to-use options.
Trust Fleetmaxx MEG Antifreeze to keep your engines performing reliably all year round — whatever the weather.
Discover more about Fleetmaxx MEG Antifreeze
Efficiency and vehicle conditioning
Avoid idling to defrost windscreens — it’s illegal and harmful to air quality. Use de-icer and a scraper instead.
For EVs, use pre-conditioning while charging to warm the cabin and battery before setting off. Encourage drivers to rely on heated seats and steering wheels instead of full cabin heating to preserve range.
Keep in mind that cold weather and headwinds can reduce both fuel economy and EV range, so plan accordingly.
Journey planning in extreme weather
Before travelling, check forecasts and road conditions. Cancel non-essential trips during severe weather.
The Met Office issues yellow, amber, and red warnings when winds exceed safe thresholds. Past storms such as Dudley, Eunice, and Franklin saw 70 mph gusts overturn HGVs and close bridges.
If conditions are extreme, don’t risk the journey. Safety always comes first.
If an accident does happen – simplify it with our Vehicle Claims App
Even well-maintained fleets can face incidents during tough winter driving conditions. That’s why we’ve partnered with Artura Consultancy Ltd to launch the Fleetmaxx Vehicle Claims App — making insurance claims fast, secure, and stress-free.
Your drivers can report an accident in under three minutes, uploading photos and details directly from their smartphone. The process is simple, accurate, and fully digital.
Benefits include:
🚗 Report incidents in under 3 minutes.
🔒 Secure, smart data handling.
💰 Receive £100 towards your insurance excess when using the app.
📱 Easy download and setup for your entire team.
Don’t let a claim slow down your operation — manage it the smart way with the Fleetmaxx Vehicle Claims App.
Stay supported this winter driving season
From tyre safety and compliance checks to screenwash, antifreeze, and claims management, Fleetmaxx Solutions gives you the complete toolkit to protect your fleet, your drivers, and your business throughout the winter season.
